Job details
- Salary: £37,028 to £38,957 per annum (inclusive of allowances)
- Location: Civic Centre, Gravesend
- Status: Permanent
- Hours: 37 hours per week
- Closing date: 28 January 2026
About the role
If you enjoy working in a challenging, fast-paced environment and have a passion to tackle neglected properties, we are looking for a Housing Improvement Officer with tenancy relations expertise to join our growing team.
An exciting opportunity to strengthen our Private Sector Housing Team. The team delivers the Private Sector Housing service functions, which include (but are not exhaustive), private rental disrepair, housing enforcement, HMO Licencing, HMO Management, empty homes, caravan licencing, facility grants and Gov led energy schemes.
To assist the team in delivering the changes brought in by the Renters Rights Act to the delivery of housing enforcement standards, ensuring private sector residential accommodation throughout the borough meets statutory standards, and helping to bring about improvements in conditions and standards of management for residents.
You will be lead officer in investigating complaints in relation to illegal evictions and harassment, taking a reactive and enforcement approach. With your knowledge of Housing legislation, you’ll be comfortable using formal action where necessary, including attendance at Court where required.
You will deliver service improvements by developing new working processes and building relationships with partners to meet the requirements of the Renters Rights Act.
You’ll be responsible for assessing a variety of properties using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) and interpreting the results of these assessments to determine an appropriate course of action to deal with each hazard identified. You will investigate complaints regarding housing conditions and undertake detailed surveys and inspections of residential accommodation throughout the borough.
About you
Essential experience
- Good knowledge of the Housing Act 2004 and other related legislations
- Practical experience of serving notices and enforcement
- Experience in using the HHSRS rating system
- Practical experience in conducting housing inspections for both disrepair and property licensing
- Full driving licence and use of suitable vehicle for business purposes
Qualifications required
- A degree or similar qualification in a relevant subject, such as environmental health or building surveying
- Any other qualifications or experience that could be transferable, or related to this area of Housing
- Experience of compiling evidence and taking cases to both court and the tribunal
Working for Gravesham
We are committed to delivering to the community and working with us means you are part of delivering the level of growth and improvement our community needs and deserves. A range of services have been provided to over 106,000 people and 4,000 businesses.
The Borough of Gravesham, situated in the north west corner of Kent, covers 25,000 acres of the most varied countryside in south east England. Bordered by the River Thames to the north, it is at the heart of Thames Gateway and has a significant role to play in the regeneration of a major government growth area.
Read more information about working for us.
Benefits
- A minimum of 25 Days Annual Leave plus bank holidays.
- Membership to Local Government Pension Scheme - Local Government Pension Scheme
- Access to over 1000+ instant discounts from favourite retailers, restaurants, food delivery services and attractions via our benefits portal VivUp.
- Career development, training opportunities and access to e-learning
- Access to eye care vouchers and VDU Glasses
- External Occupational Health service
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Hybrid working (minimum of 2 days in the office per week)
- Access to Employee Assistance Programme 24/7
- Free parking
Important Information
Applicants must be able to demonstrate all essential requirements as listed in the job description.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time prior to the closing date.
If you would like to have an informal discussion with the recruiting manager, please call Clare Reynolds on 01474 337878.
The proposed interview date for this role is 12 February 2026.
How to apply
Please send your CV and covering letter to recruitment@gravesham.gov.uk by 28 January 2026.
If you are not contacted within 3 weeks of the advert closing date then you have not been shortlisted.
All recruitment correspondence, including interview letters and contracts of employment will usually be sent out via email, if you require documentation in different format such as braille or large print, please contact the Human Resources Team on 01474 337374.